He pioneered the study of micro-perforation sound absorption in compact systems, challenging existing understanding and revealing new mechanisms adopted by scholars and noise control practitioners alike. He has also made key contributions to the development of acoustic/elastic/mechanical metamaterials for wave manipulation and fundamental physical mechanisms. His work advocated the early detection of structural/thermal damage and the exploration of active control of flow-induced vibration and noise. As a world-leading authority in acoustic/sonic black hole research, his efforts have also stimulated innovative structural design using elastic/acoustic slow-wave principles.
In addition to his contributions to basic science, Professor Cheng's work has had a significant impact through technological innovation. His theories, analytical tools, and design guidelines have been widely adopted by industries such as Aérospatiale, Renault RVI, Air Canada, de Havilland, Bombardier, China Academy of Space Technology, and Midea Group. Throughout his 40-year academic career, he has received approximately HK$150 million in government and industrial support. Furthermore, he has produced more than 580 journal and conference papers.
Professor Cheng enjoys a high international reputation, demonstrated by his influence in scholarly and professional organisations. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and a Distinguished Fellow/Fellow of four other professional societies. He also holds positions in several flagship journals of his field such as JSV, JASA, and SHM. As President-Elect of the International Institute of Noise Control Engineering, he will be the ninth President of the prestigious international organisation, which has over 50 member societies in its 48 years of history.